MOSCOW, September 10 (RIA Novosti) – Bob Suter, former ice hockey defenseman and member of the Miracle on Ice 1980 gold medal team, died from a heart attack Tuesday in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 57, USA Today reports.
“It’s a tough day for our sport, having lost a great friend and ambassador of the game. Bob Suter will always be remembered for his role as a member of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Team that captivated our country and whose impact is impossible to measure. His legacy, however, is far beyond that as he dedicated his life to advancing hockey and helping young people achieve their dreams. Bob’s positive impact on our sport will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Suter family at this difficult time,” USA Hockey published a statement Tuesday regarding the legend.
The hockey star started his career path at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he played college hockey and was known for his rough play. In 1980 he joined the US Olympic hockey team where he helped win the gold medal.
The "Miracle on Ice" is the name for a medal-round men's ice hockey game February 22 during the 1980 Winter Olympics. The US national team defeated the Soviet Union national team, which had won the gold medal in six of the seven previous Olympic games. Suter played as a defenseman.
